Shih Tzu vs Lhasa Apso

Small in size but big on personality, the Shih Tzu is adored by everyone they meet. An agile and adaptable pet, your pint-sized pooch will love cuddling with you on the couch in front of the TV, but they’re equally happy trotting by your side in the park.

A fun-loving breed, Shih Tzus enjoy playing with older children, who understand how to play gently with a small dog, and other four-legged pets as long as proper introductions have been made (they are descended from royalty after all). They aren’t known for biting, but like any dog, they may bite if pushed too far in rough play. Be sure to teach all children how to gently interact with dogs, and to supervise your Shih Tzu puppy around young children who may mistake this adorable pup for their favorite stuffy.

With their ability to assess situations much faster than other small breeds, the Shih Tzu is so much more than a pretty face. They make excellent watchdogs; they are always on alert for someone approaching your home and will let you know they’re coming. Even though they may exhibit a stubborn streak and require extra patience when training, they are worth the effort. Their loyalty and calm manner in all types of situations serve them in good stead as emotional support animals when their small size is not an issue.

The Lhasa Apso breed has a playful personality and often keeps their puppy behaviors longer than other dog breeds. Intelligent and curious, Lhasas have a moderate energy level and don’t require a lot of exercise. But they are stubborn, so they need consistent training to keep them well-behaved members of the family. The most important thing to a Lhasa Apso is to be wherever you are; they will suffer from separation anxiety when you’re gone for long.

Originating in Tibet as guard dogs (can you believe it?), these pups mainly apply for “lap dog” jobs today. Still, it’s important to start socializing your Lhasa Apso puppy and train them early to help them be welcoming to strangers.

Lhasa Apsos typically do better with older children but can get along with small children if they grow up together. Be sure to teach all children how to respectfully and safely interact with dogs. Lhasas don’t always do well with other dogs or cats, but with proper socialization, they can be trained to successfully live with other animals.